"I could have one man say, 'We're gonna tax you 25 percent,' and I could say another, "Listen you motherf******, we're gonna tax you 25 percent.' Now you said the same exact thing, but it's a different messenger."

"I could have one man say, 'We're gonna tax you 25 percent,' and I could say another, "Listen you motherf******, we're gonna tax you 25 percent.' Now you said the same exact thing, but it's a different ... more

Photo: AP

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On American victories

"Our country is in serious trouble. We don't have victories anymore. We used to have victories, but we don't have them. When was the last time anybody saw us beating, let's say, China in a trade deal? They kill us. I beat China all the time. All the time."

"Our country is in serious trouble. We don't have victories anymore. We used to have victories, but we don't have them. When was the last time anybody saw us beating, let's say, China in a trade deal? They kill ... more

Photo: Richard Drew, STF

Image 5 of 47

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On El Chapo's escape

"The U.S. will invite El Chapo, the Mexican drug lord who just escaped prison, to become a U.S. citizen because our 'leaders' can't say no!"

"I would build a great wall, and nobody builds walls better than me. Believe me. And I'll build it very inexpensively. I'll build a great, great wall on our southern border and I will have Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words."

"I would build a great wall, and nobody builds walls better than me. Believe me. And I'll build it very inexpensively. I'll build a great, great wall on our southern border and I will have Mexico pay for that ... more

Photo: Ariel Schalit, STF

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On Mexican immigrants

"Thank you. It's true, and these are the best and the finest. When Mexico sends its people, they're not sending their best. They're not sending you. They're not sending you. They're sending people that have lots of problems, and they're bringing those problems with us. They're bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists. And some, I assume, are good people."

"Thank you. It's true, and these are the best and the finest. When Mexico sends its people, they're not sending their best. They're not sending you. They're not sending you. They're sending people that have ... more

Photo: Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle

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On the Mexican border

"They will pay for the wall, and the wall will go up. And Mexico will start behaving. Mexico is not our friend."

"Hillary Clinton was the worst secretary of state in the history of the United States. Hillary was the worst in the history of the United States, there’s never been a secretary of state so bad as Hillary. The world blew up around us. We lost everything, including all relationships. There wasn’t one good thing that came out of that administration or her being secretary of state. I have great relationships." less

"Hillary Clinton was the worst secretary of state in the history of the United States. Hillary was the worst in the history of the United States, there’s never been a secretary of state so bad as Hillary. The ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff

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On being successful

"If you can't get rich dealing with politicians, there's something wrong with you."

“We build a school, we build a road, they blow up the school, we build another school, we build another road, they blow them up, we build again. In the meantime we can’t get a f***ing school in Brooklyn.”

“We build a school, we build a road, they blow up the school, we build another school, we build another road, they blow them up, we build again. In the meantime we can’t get a f***ing school in Brooklyn.” ... more

Photo: Jake Simkin, STR

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On Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.

"He's not a war hero. He's a war hero because he was captured. I like people that weren't captured, OK, I hate to tell you."

Political experience: United States Senator from South Carolina (2003 - ), member of the U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina's 3rd district (1995-2003), member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, (1993-1995)

Political experience: Former governor of New York, former member of the New York Senate from the 37th district, former member of the New York State Assembly from the 91st district, former mayor of Peekskill

Political experience: Former governor of Texas (2000-2015), former lieutenant governor of Texas (1999-2000), former agricultural commissioner of Texas (1991-1999), member of the Texas House of Representatives (1985-1991)

Political experience: Current United States Senator, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs (2013-2015), member of the U.S. House of Representatives (1991-2007), mayor of Burlington, Vermont (1981-1989)

When asked if he would rule out a third-party run for the White House if he loses the GOP nomination, Donald Trump refused to acquiesce during the Republican primary debate in Cleveland Thursday night.

“I will not make the pledge at this time,” Trump said. He's the only Republican candidate who appears to be giving a serious look at an independent run. The reality star wryly added "I can totally make the pledge if I'm a nominee."

The remark set off Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul who said Trump buys and sells politicians. "He's already hedging his bets on the Clintons," Paul said. "He's already hedging his bets because he's used to buying politicians."

"Well, I've given him plenty of money," Trump shot back.

During the GOP debate, the real estate mogul continued to invite controversy with some of his comments. Co-moderator Megyn Kelly asked Trump about calling women “fat pigs, dogs, slops and disgusting animals.” Trump interrupted her to say, “Only Rosie O’Donnell.” Trump and the comedienne were embroiled in a bitter feud a few years ago.

When Kelly said his ugly remarks toward women have gone beyond that, Trump dodged giving a more direct response.

“I think the biggest problem this country has is being politically correct,” Trump said.

Whether the comments allow Trump to maintain his lead in the poll remains to be seen, but his repeated zingers continue to generate reactions on social media.

He also called the country’s leaders “stupid” on immigration and said the U.S. wouldn’t be talking about the issue if it were not for remarks he made while announcing his candidacy. He sparked outrage after saying Mexicans crossing the border are criminals.